Friday, October 15, 2010

Gameday: Rebels vs. Leafs

The third meeting of the season between Castlegar and Nelson goes tonight (7:30, Complex) as the Rebels look to increase their lead atop the Neil Murdoch Division. Castlegar has been idle since this past Saturday, when they beat Beaver Valley 5-2, and are in the midst of a stretch that sees them play 9 of 12 at home. The Rebels will play this weekend without forward Spencer Brodt (see below) who's serving a suspension. The Rebels (8-3-0) sit 2 points ahead of both Beaver Valley and Spokane, and hold games in hand against both.

Last Meeting: The two teams haven't met since September 11th, but the Rebels spoiled Nelson's home opener on that night, winning 5-1. The Rebels lead the season series 2-0.

Our Opponent: Nelson (5-6-0) currently sits 4th in the division, though they're coming on strong. The Leafs won both of their games last weekend, 9-7 over Golden and 2-0 over the Princeton Posse. The Leafs are 1-3 on the road this year, with their only victory away from the NDCC Arena coming in Grand Forks. Offensively, Nelson is led by 20 year-olds Gavin Currie (6-6-12) and Adrian Moyls (3-7-10), though newcomer Marcus Dahl has 8 points in 6 games. The Leafs made a move this week to bolster their blueline, acquiring 19 year-old defenseman Kyle Alexander from the SJHL's Flin Flon Bombers.

Arthur Andrews talks about the win and his transition to Junior B. To listen, click here.

Out of Town: All 5 Neil Murdoch division teams are in action as part of an 8-game KIJHL sked tonight. Spokane visits the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, Grand Forks gets their first look at the Osoyoos Coyotes, and Beaver Valley renews acquaintances with old friends Scott Morisseau and Thomas Abenante when they visit the Fernie Ghostriders.Bits & Bites: Spokane could get forward Uriah Machuga back. He's been released by the BCHL's Trail Smoke Eaters, though he hasn't made a decision on where he'll play this year. Machuga was pointless in 7 games in Trail. Grand Forks goaltender Garrett Muir will miss tonight's game against Osoyoos, he was handed a one-game suspension after receiving a game misconduct at the end of the Border Bruins' 4-1 loss in Spokane last Sunday. As mentioned earlier, Nelson acquired defenseman Kyle Alexanderfrom the SJHL's Flin Flon Bombers this week, but one other KIJHL team played "let's make a deal." Kimberley shipped '93 forward Dylan Lynum to the PIJHL's Mission Icebreakers for futures.